Microloans, Insecticide-Treated Bednets and Malaria: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Orissa (India)
This study evaluates the uptake of a health protection technology, insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs), through microloans, as compared to free distribution and control conditions. High costs of access to preventive measures for health risks in developing countries restrict poor people’s access to them. The paper presents findings from a randomized controlled trial in India that evaluates the uptake of ITNs through microconsumer loans.
Studies have shown that widespread, regular use of ITNs is one the most effective preventive measures against malaria. Ownership rates, however, remain very low in most malaria infected areas, including study areas in rural Orissa, India. Findings include:
- About 52 percent of sample households purchased at least one ITN, despite the high price, leading to 16 percent of individuals using a treated net;
- Only 2 percent of individuals used ITNs in control areas where nets were not offered for sale;
- Free distribution of nets saw a usage rate of 47 percent;
- Microloans and free distribution did not lead to improvements in malaria and anemia prevalence.
The paper conjectures that this latter finding is mostly due to insufficient ITN coverage and discusses the implications of its findings on public health policy.
